Hollow Oak Crown

I found the path by the thorn-hedge gate

Mud on my boots and the moon on my face

Old black crows in the yew tree line

They watched me walk where the roots entwine

My father said, “Take bread and fire”

My mother tied up my wandering desire

I heard the hill in a low, low tone

Saying, “Boy, go on, but go alone”

So I went, I went

Through the sleeping fields

I went, I went

Where the winter kneels

Hollow oak crown

Hold me now

Hollow oak crown

Bring me down

I was born to roam

But I want a home

Hollow oak crown

Hold me now

At the river bend, there stood a king

With a rusted ring and a ravaged wing

He asked my name in a voice like stone

I gave him half, and he gave me bone

He said, “The brave are the ones who stay”

While the rest of us drift and fade away

So I knelt in the reeds, let my shadow go

And I drank from the deep where the cold winds blow

So I stayed, I stayed

By the lantern reed

I stayed, I stayed

And the dark took seed

Hollow oak crown

Hold me now

Hollow oak crown

Bring me down

I was born to roam

But I want a home

Hollow oak crown

Hold me now

If my name is lost in the rain

If my hands come back in vain

Let the roots remember me

Let the branches sing for me

Hollow oak crown

Hold me now

Hollow oak crown

Bring me down

I was born to roam

But I want a home

Hollow oak crown

Hold me now

(Hollow oak crown)

(Hold me now)

(Hollow oak crown)

(Hold me now)